NHS or private assessment: what should we weigh up?

The short answer

Compare the assessment itself and what happens afterwards, not only waiting time. Ask who is qualified to diagnose, whether the process follows current NICE guidance, how developmental, school, health and child information are gathered, what happens when sources differ, and whether you receive feedback and a full report. Then check total cost, cancellations, complaints, data sharing, post-diagnostic support, ADHD medication assessment, prescribing, monitoring and any proposed shared care. An NHS-funded patient-choice provider in England is not the same as a self-funded private assessment. Do not assume any route guarantees diagnosis, school acceptance, NHS prescribing or ongoing care. Ask the relevant local services what evidence and handover they require before paying.

• Separate ordinary NHS, NHS-funded patient choice and self-funded private care.
• Check clinician qualifications, assessment scope and consistency with NICE guidance.
• Ask how school, development, health, differential diagnoses and discrepancies are handled.
• Price the report, feedback, medication pathway, monitoring and follow-up, not only assessment.
• Confirm downstream arrangements with the actual school, GP and NHS service.